Phnom Penh:The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) has praised Cambodia's hosting of the 20th Francophonie Summit as a significant event that enhances the Kingdom's international standing and reinforces longstanding cooperation in educational, scientific, and cultural development.
According to Agence Kampuchea Presse, UNESCO Representative to Cambodia Mr. Flavio Bonetti highlighted these sentiments during a special interview with state media at the UNESCO Phnom Penh Office. He emphasized that the summit in Phnom Penh reaffirms Cambodia's dedication to international cooperation and peaceful multilateralism, providing a valuable platform to showcase joint achievements in preserving Khmer heritage.
The partnership between UNESCO and Cambodia extends beyond the globally recognized Angkor temples to include Cambodia's intangible cultural heritage, such as traditional dances, music, textile craftsmanship, and traditional sports. The summit presents an exceptional opportunity to highlight the country's rich cultural heritage, which has been supported by UNESCO over many years.
This collaboration with the International Organisation of La Francophonie (OIF) dates back to 1976 and has led to initiatives in education, multilingualism, creative industries, and rights and freedoms. Cambodia is set to host the 20th Francophonie Summit for the first time from November 14 to 16, 2026, under the theme 'Reinvest in Peace for Shared Prosperity and Sustainable Stability.'